Notices
6.7L Power Stroke Diesel 2011-current Ford Powerstroke 6.7 L turbo diesel engine

HID Upgrade

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 17, 2010 | 03:09 PM
  #1  
jweidert's Avatar
jweidert
Thread Starter
|
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 14
From: California
HID Upgrade

Was looking around TDS today and noticed one of the members posted an update to his HID upgrade project. He sent the light housings to a custom shop and had projectors installed. Not exactly cheap (just under $1K total), but it seemed to turn out very nice. For those who don't visit TDS, just thought I'd post the thread here as there have been multiple discussions regarding various headlight upgrade options on FTE.

Here the link, will need to register for TDS to see the pics:
My HID Projector Retrofit - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

Recon still hasn't come out with their replacement projector housing for the '11s yet. Will be interesting to compare a Recon housing to something custom like this. I suppose there's a lot of money to be saved here ($600 or so) by doing the work on your own, obvious risk is damaging the factory housing and having to buy a new one.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 09:12 PM
  #2  
KeithLambert7's Avatar
KeithLambert7
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by jweidert
Was looking around TDS today and noticed one of the members posted an update to his HID upgrade project. He sent the light housings to a custom shop and had projectors installed. Not exactly cheap (just under $1K total), but it seemed to turn out very nice. For those who don't visit TDS, just thought I'd post the thread here as there have been multiple discussions regarding various headlight upgrade options on FTE.

Here the link, will need to register for TDS to see the pics:
My HID Projector Retrofit - Diesel Forum - TheDieselStop.com

Recon still hasn't come out with their replacement projector housing for the '11s yet. Will be interesting to compare a Recon housing to something custom like this. I suppose there's a lot of money to be saved here ($600 or so) by doing the work on your own, obvious risk is damaging the factory housing and having to buy a new one.
I'm tempted, but with the number of people who flash their lights at me is already at about 50%, I'm afraid to go brighter.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 09:15 PM
  #3  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Originally Posted by KeithLambert7
I'm tempted, but with the number of people who flash their lights at me is already at about 50%, I'm afraid to go brighter.
Keith,

Have you tried adjusting your headlight beams down? I had some flashing by oncoming drivers after I installed HID's. A few turns of a screw driver and problem is solved.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 09:20 PM
  #4  
KeithLambert7's Avatar
KeithLambert7
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
I haven't messed with them yet, I have about 1,000 miles on it now. They don't seem especially high on the horizon or even bright, but seem to bother everyone.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 09:22 PM
  #5  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Originally Posted by KeithLambert7
I haven't messed with them yet, I have about 1,000 miles on it now. They don't seem especially high on the horizon or even bright, but seem to bother everyone.
It's a really quick adjustment to try. You need only a long phillips screw driver to do it. Line up your headlights on the garage wall, make a mark and then lower the beams down a bit. It only takes a little to stop the flashing of oncoming cars.
 
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2010 | 09:33 PM
  #6  
KeithLambert7's Avatar
KeithLambert7
Junior User
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
Thanks I'll give it a try.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 02:35 AM
  #7  
porthole's Avatar
porthole
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 64
Club FTE Silver Member

I've been flashed 3 times so far, and that is with the stock headlights, although I did have the fog lights on. Maybe they need adjusting.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 06:04 AM
  #8  
xrated's Avatar
xrated
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 5
I installed the Retro Solutions 55W Digital HID's on my 2011 F250 and had to do a slight adjustment on the height of the of the headlights. You need a #2 Phillips screwdriver about 7 or 8" long to reach down to where the adjusting screw is located. I've had them on for about 2 weeks and have not had one person flash their lights at me. The difference between stock H-13s and the HID setup is totally off the scales for brightness. It is without a doubt, one of the very best improvements you can make to your truck as far as functionality.
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

 Brett Foote
story-3

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-5

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 08:31 AM
  #9  
porthole's Avatar
porthole
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 64
Club FTE Silver Member

The Retro kits are pricey compared to the others out there, but I think that is what I will be going with. The overall package looks pretty good.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 09:54 AM
  #10  
xrated's Avatar
xrated
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 5
They are somewhat pricy compared to other kits, but in this case, I believe you get what you pay for. Lifetime warranty, easy installation with factory plugs, relay kit included and there is a bit of a discount if you are a member of the powerstroke.org forum. I'm impressed enough with them that I just order another set of them and they will be here today. They are a surprise Christmas gift for my wife, and they will go on her '08 Mustang. On the Mustang kit, I also bought the "capping" service that Retro offers. This is for use in a headlight housing that does NOT have the internal shield that the bulb goes into. Our 2011 trucks have the internal shield, so no need for the capped bulbs.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:12 AM
  #11  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
Originally Posted by xrated
They are somewhat pricy compared to other kits, but in this case, I believe you get what you pay for. Lifetime warranty, easy installation with factory plugs, relay kit included and there is a bit of a discount if you are a member of the powerstroke.org forum. I'm impressed enough with them that I just order another set of them and they will be here today. They are a surprise Christmas gift for my wife, and they will go on her '08 Mustang. On the Mustang kit, I also bought the "capping" service that Retro offers. This is for use in a headlight housing that does NOT have the internal shield that the bulb goes into. Our 2011 trucks have the internal shield, so no need for the capped bulbs.
Wait, did I read that right? You bought a headlamp replacement kit for your wife for Christmas? Whoa, I'd be in the dog house if I tried that. lol.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:14 AM
  #12  
porthole's Avatar
porthole
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,228
Likes: 64
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by EpicCowlick
Whoa, I'd be in the dog house if I tried that. lol.
Why 'cause you would try for a video?
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 10:21 AM
  #13  
Marauder92V's Avatar
Marauder92V
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 0
Club FTE Silver Member

Originally Posted by EpicCowlick
Wait, did I read that right? You bought a headlamp replacement kit for your wife for Christmas? Whoa, I'd be in the dog house if I tried that. lol.
Hmmm, function (HID upgrade) versus form (diamond earrings). You got a point...
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 06:17 PM
  #14  
xrated's Avatar
xrated
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 466
Likes: 5
EpicCowlick wrote:
Wait, did I read that right? You bought a headlamp replacement kit for your wife for Christmas? Whoa, I'd be in the dog house if I tried that. lol.
Well, that's not the only thing that I bought her. She's getting a new pair of SIDI motorcycle racing boots too. We both have track bikes and do about 9 to 10 track days a year at places like Road Atlanta, Barber Motorsports, Little Talladaga, and Nashville Super Speedway. Here is a picture or two of her doing a track day



Here is one of us in our paddock area


and one more


Having a wife that does track days with you, opens up a whole host of Christmas/Birthday gift opportunities. Now, the hard to believe part.......she's 58 years old and I'm 56.
 
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2010 | 06:50 PM
  #15  
EpicCowlick's Avatar
EpicCowlick
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,158
Likes: 35
From: North of Salt Lake City
That looks like a blast. Congrats on finding your soulmate. She's a rare bird indeed and sounds like a keeper.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:10 AM.

story-0
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level

Slideshow: The VelociRaptor Expedition gains a lift, upgraded suspension, Brembo brakes, and trail-ready equipment while retaining the stock 440-horsepower EcoBoost V6.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-12 11:01:55


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Slideshow: Top 10 Fords at 2026 Ford Nationals

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 11:10:08


VIEW MORE
story-2
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Based on years of owning multiple modern Ford products.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-09 10:53:36


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

SPONSORED: From muddy boots to rain-soaked cargo, these upgrades address some of the most common frustrations Ford truck owners face every day.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-06-08 18:50:34


VIEW MORE
story-4
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-7
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-9
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE